Expert Says Vegan Food Will Ease Political Woes in 2018

Hospitality consultant Andrew Freeman points to plant-based foods as a source of relief for consumers during unstable political and economic climates.

During a recent online presentation, Andrew Freeman—founder of hospitality consulting firm Andrew Freeman & Co.—pointed to vegan food as a source of comfort for consumers in the coming year. According to media outlet Foodnavigator, Freeman said that the uncertainty of the current political climate, combined with economic concerns and the impact of natural disasters that occurred in 2017, has prompted consumers to search for relief through food. The consultant predicted that plant-based diets will provide consumers a sense of control and advised food companies to “adjust as the world adjusts.” Freeman predicted that growing trends in 2018 will include nostalgic foods with “cleaner” labels, a wide variety of vegetable-forward dishes, and foods that are brightly colored, as millennials—the fastest growing demographic of vegans—find a sense of escape by engaging with social media platform Instagram. In its recently published 2018 trend report, Andrew Freeman & Co. identify veganism as one of its major food trends. “Vegetables will be all up in your grill in 2018 (literally, sometimes),” the report stated, “as entrées like rotisserie cauliflower, jackfruit tacos, and hominy ceviche are becoming standard—even expected—in restaurants across the country. We will gladly be eating our veggies.”